The Big Picture

Film critics Chris Ryan and Wesley Morris join the hosts to discuss the career of Alfred Hitchcock, including their top five picks of his movies and in-depth analysis of 'Psycho'. They explore Hitchcock's lasting influence on modern filmmakers, his treatment of female characters, and his ability to manipulate audience expectations. The podcast also delves into the unique qualities of 'Psycho', the themes of 'To Catch a Thief', the allure of 'Vertigo', the creepy scenes in 'The Birds', and Hitchcock's mastery in reflecting the times in his films.

'Tenet' is here! But not everywhere. With Christopher Nolan's latest unavailable to California and New York residents, Sean and Amanda call on Ringer contributor and Canadian citizen Adam Nayman to share a spoiler-free review of the filmmaker's latest journey into bended time and space. Plus: Sean, Amanda, and Adam share their favorite Nolan works and discuss how his films will be remembered.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Adam Nayman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special mega-pod, Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan join Sean and Amanda for a two-part conversation about the way that movies seems to be aping the modes and styles of TV, and vice-versa (0:29). (For Part 2, check out ‘The Watch’ on the Ringer Podcast Network.) Then, Sean is joined for a chat with the stars of ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music’: Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter (48:49)!Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Andy Greenwald, Chris Ryan, Keanu Reeves, and Alex Winter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s baaaaack. Due to popular demand, we’ve decided to run back the movie draft. Chris Ryan rejoins Sean and Amanda to make their picks for the best of 2011. But first, we discuss the debut of some new trailers from the DC Universe, including an exciting first look at Matt Reeves's 'The Batman.'Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 44 states around the country, movie theaters will reopen their doors this weekend for the release of the Russell Crowe thriller 'Unhinged,' a controversial decision by the major theater chains. Amanda and Sean talk about the ramifications of the decision, what it means for the release of Christopher Nolan's long-awaited 'Tenet,' and whether society has officially acclimated to at-home viewing (2:47). Then, Sean is joined by Wu-Tang Clan founder and filmmaker RZA to talk about his new movie 'Cut Throat City' (51:18).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: RZA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda and Sean dive deep into the year’s most provocative and entertaining film, the documentary ‘Boys State,’ an intimate portrait of the summer program that has produced some of the most compelling figures in recent American political history (1:08). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Boys State’ codirectors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss to talk about the casting and production of their extraordinary movie (34:54).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to talk about Ben Affleck's recently announced new movie, an adaptation of 'The Big Goodbye' about the making of the film 'Chinatown.' Then, they pitch other chaotic behind-the-scenes stories they'd like to see captured on the big screen (1:30). They also discuss the streaming horror hit 'Host,' now playing on Shudder, as well as the less successful Shia LaBeouf crime drama 'The Tax Collector' (34:00). Finally, Sean is joined by writer-director-actress Amy Seimetz to talk about her new horror–black comedy 'She Dies Tomorrow' (46:27).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Chris RyanGuest: Amy Seimetz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s armageddon time. Or at least it feels that way these days. Sean and Amanda talk about coping with the ongoing fear and frustration by doing what they always do: talking about movies they like. In this case, they discuss their top five favorite apocalypse movies (1:15). Then, Sean is joined by James Gray for a wide-ranging conversation about working as a filmmaker during quarantine, the Hollywood history he’s been sharing with his kids, and more (54:44).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: James Gray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The AMC theater chain cut a deal with Universal last week, ending a months-long standoff over the future of film distribution. What does the deal mean for the moviegoing experience? Will more chains and more studios join in? Will we see more movies at home? Amanda and Sean break it all down (1:06), along with news about the star of Paul Thomas Anderson's new film, the state of film festivals in 2020, and the new Seth Rogen HBO Max comedy 'An American Pickle' (32:55).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the release of his new memoir 'Chasing the Light,' the provocative, award-winning writer-director Oliver Stone is back in the news. Amanda and Sean take a deep dive into the book and Stone's career, examining his origin story, his reputation as a Baby Boomer artist, and his incredible body of work. Then, to verify their feelings on his movies, they play a personally revealing round of Fuck, Marry, Kill with all 20 of his feature films.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices